Regional health officials have urged the North East public to remain vigilant for measles symptoms after reports emerged of a worker at the Amazon warehouse in Follingsby becoming unwell.
It is understood that Amazon management emailed staff on Friday, informing them of the situation and supplying a range of public health guidance. UKHSA officials said potential contacts of the individual with measles have been provided with advice and urged to verify their vaccination status.
An Amazon spokesperson confirmed that a single case amongst its workforce had been reported and said: “The safety of our associates is our top priority. We are working closely with public health authorities and have taken all appropriate precautionary measures in line with their guidance.
“We have communicated relevant health information to associates and are supporting those affected. We do not comment on individual medical cases.”
The employee works at the company’s NCL1 warehouse, situated in the Follingsby area of Gateshead.
Dr Jo Darke, consultant in health protection at the UK Health Security Agency in the North East, said: “Measles is a very infectious virus that spreads very easily.
People who catch measles usually recover completely within a couple of weeks. However, measles can be a severe illness that can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability, and occasionally even death.
“To reduce the risk of further cases, staff are being advised to make sure their vaccinations are up to date and to be alert to the signs and symptoms of measles, which can include cold-like symptoms, sore red eyes, a high temperature and a red-brown blotchy rash.”
The medic added that anyone coming down with symptoms should seek medical help. They added: “If you experience these symptoms seek medical attention but be sure to phone before you visit your GP surgery or other healthcare setting, so arrangements can be made to prevent others from being infected.”
“The best way to protect yourself, your family and friends, is the MMR vaccination (or MMRV for those eligible). It is important for anyone who has not already had two doses of the MMR vaccine to contact their GP surgery for an appointment to get vaccinated.
“Two doses of the MMR vaccine are needed for full protection against measles, preferably by the age of 5 years. MMR is a highly effective and safe vaccine.””If you are not sure if you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, you can also contact your GP practice to check your records and get vaccinated.”